"It shouldn't be that hard to be a nurse"

Crux1024 · May 4, 2007

Competition tough for nursing school
Yeah, it's only nurses and everyone knows you don't need to be that smart because after all our work isn't that critical, not like a doctor.

Ummm..duh! :trout:

Kidding, Could her daddy be more condesending? :nono:

Cattitude · May 4, 2007

Competition tough for nursing school
Interesting. I am sure that some of our pre-nursing and current nursing students may agree but after 16 years in this business, I am convinced that it should be that hard. Nursing is a tough field which requires smart, fast-thinking people. If there is a bright side to the nursing shortage, it's that nursing schools are forced to accept the highest quality students. And raising our standards isn't a bad thing IMO especially since people's lives rely on our skills.
Here's a little gem from her daddy:
Yeah, it's only nurses and everyone knows you don't need to be that smart because after all our work isn't that critical, not like a doctor.

Good when daddy needs a nurse let him lower HIS standards.

I agree that it should be tough to get in and stay in. When my Mom has surgery next week, I want to be able to go home at night knowing that she is well taken care of.

Wiseguy · May 4, 2007

I agree, it should be a privelage to be in nursing, and not a right. I'm currently a student, and had to have the appropriate qualifications and experience to gain access to my course, and at no point did I think along the lines of "ah it's only nursing, you shouldn't have to try to get in". Of course you should have to try, as if you really want to make it, you will put the required work in!

Having said that, I don't think it should be so hard as to put people off their career choices. Perhaps this girl is applying for one of the more desired universities, and would have a better chance elsewhere?

beth13413 · May 4, 2007

I think another point that can be made is that a GPA doesn't tell the whole story about a prospective student - maybe that 3.29 is comprised of a whole lot of basket weaving and some poor science grades - or maybe she lacks maturity - or maybe she picked her nose during the interview! (Or maybe she brought her Dad along!)

I don't think trend is unlike what is being seen in colleges across the nation - a high GPA/SAT isn't always a guaranteed ticket to the school of your choice.

SharonH, RN · May 4, 2007

I think another point that can be made is that a GPA doesn't tell the whole story about a prospective student - maybe that 3.29 is comprised of a whole lot of basket weaving and some poor science grades - or maybe she lacks maturity - or maybe she picked her nose during the interview! (Or maybe she brought her Dad along!)
I don't think trend is unlike what is being seen in colleges across the nation - a high GPA/SAT isn't always a guaranteed ticket to the school of your choice.

LOL at the comment about her Dad. But you make excellent points, none of which the article touched on. In fact, the article does not rebut their POV at all which was pretty irritating.

ZootRN · May 4, 2007

It's really would be interesting to see what turn will take nursing as a profession when all these bright young women will graduate and will join us in the field. They are for sure very smart, assertive, capable and outspoken. How will it go with the fact that nursing is still submissive profession, that you have to be able to please everyone from visitors to management? I got myself in trouble last week by cutting off very sarcastic doctor, who immediately complained about me being rude. I can't even imagine anyone outside the hospital talking to me the way he was; and he came out right, and I was wrong in the eyes of the management, because we have to maintain "positive" relationship with doctors. It is naturally assumed in should be maintained at my expense, since he is a doctor, and I am nothing.

>

maryloufu · May 4, 2007

"I don't think it should be that hard" to become a nurse, the 21-year-old said over a chilled coffee drink near the GSU campus."

Maybe she thought she was going to school to model those sexy nurses outfits for halloween. :cool:

Mommy TeleRN, RN · May 4, 2007

she could work in a doctors office and just call herself a nurse

::running and ducking::

Batman24 · May 4, 2007

They need more teachers and instructors. Thousands of great students are turned away because so many schools are only taking such a small percentage of applicants. One school I applied to takes 40 every year out of over 1000 applicants. That's just sad.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · May 4, 2007

They need more teachers and instructors. Thousands of great students are turned away because so many schools are only taking such a small percentage of applicants. One school I applied to takes 40 every year out of over 1000 applicants. That's just sad.

Actually, I think it's a good thing. Law of supply and demand, you know. Keeping the supply of good nurses low is the only real leverage we have to improve working conditions.

I cannot imagine how bad it could be for us all if all the applicants to nursing schools were allowed in, could you?

RN007 · May 4, 2007

They need more teachers and instructors. Thousands of great students are turned away because so many schools are only taking such a small percentage of applicants. One school I applied to takes 40 every year out of over 1000 applicants. That's just sad.

I agree. I don't think a 3.29 is a bad GPA. Many (most?) nursing programs require a B average anyway, don't they? A higher GPA doesn't guarantee a better graduate -- or nurse ....

Just my .02 worth. (Hey, didn't there used to be a cent sign on the keyboard? No, that's right ... you had to type a c and than backspace and type a slash. I am old enough to remember that ... :uhoh21: )